New Noncompete Battleground: New York State

February 24, 2006 at 6:29 AM (PT)

A bill advancing in NEW YORK's state legislature would make noncompete clauses in broadcasting contracts unenforeceable.

The "Broadcast Employees Freedom to Work Act" is being sponsored by Assemblyperson SUSAN JOHN (D-131st), who tells ROCHESTER's CITY newspaper that "in general, public policy doesn't like non-compete clauses, because it's a restriction of an individual's freedom.... I think it's dangerous for employers to believe they can stop employees from working for their competitors. It leads to the potential for increased exploitation."

AFTRA's TOM CARPENTER tells the paper that the union has "been working hard on the NEW YORK bill... Obviously, NEW YORK is an important jurisdiction."